It’s time to add a little green to the first vestiges of white of the season by shopping Pagosa first, especially this weekend at the third annual Parade of Stores.

This shopping event is held annually to encourage residents and visitors alike to shop at the unique establishments in our community, while enjoying great savings. Savings include the No Tax Extravaganza, during which shoppers are charged no sales tax when purchasing items at participating stores.

Shoppers also stand a chance of winning some of an extensive array of gifts and certificates at participating stores. From Friday to Sunday, you can pick up a Parade of Stores card at any participating store or at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.

The community will be divided into three shopping districts: the West Side, the Downtown Area, and the East Side. You get your card validated at participating stores in each district. You don’t have to get the whole card validated — just a percentage of the stores in each section of town. Of course, we encourage participants to shop all over Pagosa and see what the stores have to offer.

Shoppers then turn their cards in at the last store they visit or at the Chamber. Cards will not be accepted after Tuesday, Dec. 9, since winners will be selected on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Stores and winners will then be notified. Winners go back to the store to claim their prize. With over 35 stores participating, chances of winning are excellent.

In addition to the no sales tax incentive, stores will also hold open houses and provide treats, and some will also offer additional discounts and sales. It is truly a great time to shop Pagosa.

Many lodging facilities will provide Shop and Stay packages and some restaurants will offer discounts if you show your Parade of Stores shopping card.

Some of the stores will not be open Sunday, but you can still shop Friday and Saturday and enjoy all the merchandise, sales, and shopping fun that Pagosa has to offer.

Send the special gift of Pagosa to family and friends this year and keep your hard-earned dollars here, where you will get the biggest bang for your buck while keeping our town green.

Christmas in Pagosa

Along with the Parade of Stores, there will be numerous other events held all around town this weekend.

Friday, Dec. 5:

Enjoy shopping all day at the Parade of Stores. At noon, the Chamber will have a ribbon cutting at the Pagosa Artisans Co-op.

At 6 p.m., the Festival of Trees begins with a festive evening planned at the community center. Real, artificial, tabletop and large trees will be available for purchase in an auction. Various non-profit organizations have decorated trees; groups can sponsor a tree and donate the proceeds of the sale of the tree to the non-profit of their choice. There will be elegantly decorated trees, trees with a theme, or whimsical trees. Whatever kind of tree you desire, it will be available for purchase. Save yourself the trouble of cutting down a tree this year and help one of our non-profit organizations.

While at the Festival of Trees, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and music provided by Music in the Mountains Conservatory students. Tickets are only $10 and may be purchased at the Chamber, Higher Grounds, and the community center.

You can put in your bid for a tree at the festival before heading to the Community Choir Christmas concert at the high school, beginning at 7 p.m. The concert is free, but donations are always welcome. This talented group will perform a program of moving and lively Christmas music. We have much to be proud of in this community with the Community Choir as a representative.

Saturday, Dec. 6:

The day starts off with the early arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the community center for United Way’s Breakfast with Santa. There will be numerous crafts, reading, writing of Christmas wish lists, singing and, of course, lots of food.

Breakfast will be served beginning at 9 a.m. and the festivities continue until 11. Each participant will be given a take-home craft item. Tickets are $30 for an adult and child, with an additional cost per child. Call Karen Davison at 264-1215 for reservations.

Parade of Stores continues and, remember, you can pick up a shopping card at any participating store or at the Chamber of Commerce.

Beginning at 3 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Visitor Center to meet the children and hear about the youngsters’ Christmas wish lists. Adults and children will be treated to delightful sweets, hot and cold drinks, and children will receive a little surprise — and it’s all free. Professional photo service will also be available in case you want to create a Christmas card. Participants will be treated to live music while children visit with Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Visitor Center until 5:30 p.m. when they will lead the community lighting ceremony. The Visitor Center, the star on Reservoir Hill, the Springs Resort and some of the downtown area will be lit; it is a magical scene and a perfect way to begin the rest of your evening.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. as the Bar D Wranglers return to the community center for their annual Christmas program. Their entertaining program and beautiful voices are not to be missed. Tickets are $13 for adults and $6 for children under 10 and available at the community center.

The Community Choir returns to the Pagosa Springs High School auditorium for another concert, at 7 p.m..

Sunday, Dec. 7:

Some of our stores will still be participating in the Parade of Stores event. Don’t miss this last day to get your card validated in order to register to win numerous door prizes.

The Community Choir returns to the high school at 4 p.m. for the final holiday concert.

The weekend is filled with private parties, business entertainment, shopping and many other events. Enjoy as many as you can.

Vaccination clinics

Pagosa Mountain Hospital will offer flu vaccinations in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control’s National Vaccination Week. On Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 11, Pagosans of any age can receive the vaccine. Tuesday is designated Children’s Vaccination Day and Thursday is designated Senior Vaccination Day. You can go to the hospital on South Pagosa Boulevard from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and receive the shot, The charge for the vaccine is $25 and the fee can be paid with cash or check.

Membership news

We have three new members to welcome to the Chamber this week.

We have Next Door Décor joining. Next Door Décor offers beautiful furniture and accessories for the home with a flair for the comfortable cabin and western motif. They have sofas, chairs, tables, mirrors, lamps and beautiful accessories including comforters, table linens, and much more. New owner Melissa Bir can also help you find a perfect match for your home. Stop by the store next to Home Again or call 264-4440.

Bringing mineral springs back to Pagosa Street for the first time in 40 years, we welcome The Overlook Mineral Spring Spa. Pagosa’s newest hot springs facility has five indoor soaking tubs including an exclusive private room with a hot mineral pool available by the hour. There is also a rooftop deck with two pools overlooking the downtown area, the San Juan River and the mountains. Also on the property are talented massage therapists to help you relieve your stress. Call 264-4040 to book an appointment or just stop by the new Victorian style building in the heart of downtown.

Also joining the Chamber this week is Pagosa Express Lube with owner Greg Giles. Pagosa Express Lube offers full service preventative oil lube service by changing oil, topping off car fluids, and checking tire pressure and air filters. Located on Put Hill formerly Grease Monkey, Pagosa Express Lube wants to keep your car running in top condition. No appointment necessary or call 731-1400.